DOJ: FBI informant said Russian intelligence involved in Hunter Biden story

• Prosecutors alleged in the filing that Smirnov told an FBI handler that the Russian Intelligence Service intercepted several cellphone calls placed at a hotel "by prominent U.S. persons the Russian government may use as 'kompromat' in the 2024 election."
• They argued against his release, alleging that Smirnov was "actively peddling new lies that could impact U.S. elections after meeting with Russian intelligence officials in November."

Yes, but: A federal judge ruled after a detention hearing in Las Vegas that Smirnov should be released on a personal recognizance bond.

• Smirnov's defense lawyers successfully argued that the American citizen could surrender his Israeli passport in addition to his U.S. passport and be subjected to electronic monitioring.
• They said in a statement before the hearing that Smirnov should be released "so he can effectively fight the power of the government."

Catch up quick: Special counsel David Weiss charged Smirnov with felony false statement and obstruction crimes for providing allegedly false information about President Biden and Hunter Biden.

• Smirnov was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Central District of California after being arrested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Prosecutors alleged Smirnov falsely told FBI agents in June 2020 that officials with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid the Bidens $5 million each in 2015 or 2016.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details surrounding Smirnov's release from custody.